Things to Do in Mohéli Marine Park, Comores Komori جزر القمر

Mohéli Marine Park, located around the smallest of the three main Comoros islands, is one of the Indian Ocean's most pristine and untouched marine sanctuaries. Established in 2001, this UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve encompasses both terrestrial and marine ecosystems, protecting critical habitats for endangered species including green sea turtles, humpback whales, and the endemic Livingstone's flying fox. The park covers approximately 64 square kilometers of marine area and includes several islets, coral reefs, and mangrove forests that remain largely unexplored by mass tourism. Mohéli Marine Park offers visitors an authentic eco-tourism experience with crystal-clear waters, untouched coral reefs, and some of the best diving and snorkeling opportunities in the Western Indian Ocean. The local communities actively participate in conservation efforts, providing visitors with unique cultural exchanges and traditional fishing experiences. With its remote location and limited infrastructure, the park attracts adventurous travelers seeking pristine natural beauty and intimate wildlife encounters away from crowded tourist destinations.

Top Things to Do in Mohéli Marine Park

Sea Turtle Nesting Tours

Witness the magical experience of green sea turtles coming ashore to nest on pristine beaches, particularly at Itsamia and Ndroudé beaches. These guided nighttime tours offer incredible opportunities to observe this ancient ritual while supporting local conservation efforts through community-based tourism programs.

Booking Tip: Tours cost around $30-50 per person and are best booked through local guides in Fomboni. Peak nesting season is November to March, with tours starting around 8 PM. Choose operators who follow strict guidelines to minimize disturbance to nesting turtles.

Diving and Snorkeling

Explore some of the Indian Ocean's most pristine coral reefs with exceptional visibility and diverse marine life including reef sharks, rays, and colorful tropical fish. The park's protected waters offer both shallow snorkeling sites for beginners and deep diving locations for experienced divers, with minimal human impact on the coral ecosystems.

Booking Tip: Diving packages range from $40-80 per dive depending on location and equipment. Book with certified operators in Fomboni or through your accommodation. Best visibility is during dry season (May-October). Bring your own mask if possible as equipment availability is limited.

Whale Watching

Experience close encounters with humpback whales during their annual migration and breeding season in the warm waters surrounding Mohéli. These gentle giants can often be spotted from shore or during boat excursions, with mothers and calves frequently seen in the protected waters of the marine park.

Booking Tip: Whale watching trips cost $60-100 per person for half-day excursions. Best season is July to November when humpback whales are most active. Book with local fishermen-turned-guides who know whale behavior and respect viewing distances.

Traditional Fishing Experiences

Join local fishermen on traditional ngalawa outrigger canoes to learn ancient fishing techniques while exploring the marine park's coastal waters. This cultural immersion provides insight into sustainable fishing practices and the local way of life while contributing directly to community-based conservation efforts.

Booking Tip: Half-day fishing experiences cost around $25-40 per person including lunch. Best arranged through village contacts or your accommodation. Early morning departures (5-6 AM) offer best fishing conditions and sunrise views. Bring sun protection and prepare for a authentic, rustic experience.

Mangrove Forest Exploration

Navigate through pristine mangrove ecosystems by traditional boat or kayak, discovering unique flora and fauna including endemic bird species and juvenile marine life. These guided tours highlight the critical role mangroves play in coastal protection and marine ecosystem health while offering peaceful wildlife observation opportunities.

Booking Tip: Mangrove tours cost $20-35 per person for 2-3 hours. Best during high tide when water levels allow deeper exploration. Arrange through eco-lodges or local guides in coastal villages. Bring binoculars for bird watching and waterproof bags for cameras.

Getting There

Reaching Mohéli Marine Park requires flying into Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport in Moroni on Grande Comore, then taking a domestic flight to Mohéli Bandar Es Eslam Airport (approximately 30 minutes). Air Comores and AB Aviation operate irregular domestic flights, so advance booking is essential. Alternative transport includes boat connections from Anjouan or Grande Comore, though these can be unreliable and weather-dependent. From Mohéli airport, arrange ground transport to Fomboni (the main town) or directly to your accommodation, as public transport is limited.

Getting Around

Transportation around Mohéli is primarily by shared taxi-brousse, motorcycle taxi, or arranged private transport through your accommodation. The island's road network is basic, with the main route connecting Fomboni to other villages and the airport. For marine park access, most activities require boat transport arranged through local operators or guides. Walking is common for short distances within villages, and many marine park sites are accessible only by boat. Renting a car is possible but challenging due to road conditions and limited fuel availability.

Where to Stay

Fomboni town center

Itsamia beachfront

Ndroudé village

Miringoni coastal area

Hoani village

Nioumachoua region

Food & Dining

Dining options in Mohéli Marine Park area are limited but authentic, focusing on fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and traditional Comorian cuisine. Most meals are arranged through accommodations or local families, featuring grilled fish, coconut rice, breadfruit, and tropical fruits like mangoes and papayas. Local specialties include langouste (lobster), fresh tuna, and traditional curry dishes influenced by Arabic, African, and French cuisines. Fomboni has a few small restaurants and local food stalls, but visitors should expect simple, home-style cooking rather than formal dining establishments. Vegetarian options are available but limited, typically consisting of rice, vegetables, and tropical fruits.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Mohéli Marine Park is during the dry season from May to October, offering calmer seas, better visibility for diving, and more comfortable temperatures around 24-28°C. This period coincides with humpback whale migration (July-November) but misses peak turtle nesting season. For turtle watching, visit during the hot, humid season from November to March, though expect higher rainfall and rougher seas. The transitional months of April-May and October-November often provide the best balance of weather conditions and wildlife activity, though accommodation and transport should be booked well in advance due to limited availability year-round.

Insider Tips

Bring cash in Comorian francs or euros as there are no ATMs on Mohéli and credit cards are not accepted

Pack reef-safe sunscreen and basic medical supplies as pharmacies and medical facilities are extremely limited

Learn basic French or Arabic phrases as English is rarely spoken, and showing respect for local Islamic customs will enhance your cultural experience

Things to Do in Mohéli Marine Park